Francisco Matias

Owner of Matias Martial Arts

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Francisco Matias was born in Tecomán, Colima, Mexico and moved to Napa in 1990, when he was five years old. At that age, he was already developing an affinity for martial arts by watching Bruce Lee movies and other action films. After practicing martial arts as a child and eventually becoming an instructor, Matias rented space from other instructors for two years before he could open Matias Martial Arts in Napa in 2011.

“It’s not an easy business,” he admits. “People don’t just show up.” The martial arts community often does not encourage new businesses, because the clientele can be limited. For the first year in business, Matias had only about six students. Today, some of his courses have over fifty students per class. He explains that it is important for students and their families to feel comfortable when practicing martial arts. Matias Martial Arts has about 80% Hispanic patrons, and although the classes are taught in English, the parents feel more comfortable knowing they can have any questions about their children answered in Spanish.

Matias credits some of his inspiration to his martial arts instructor he had at age 13, who, among other skills, taught him discipline and encouraged him to “want more for himself.” Matias continues this cycle of encouragement with his own students, and even has a student who is now starting up their own martial arts school. “I see kids going through tough times and I provide an outlet for them–they need somebody to believe in them.”

He is especially proud when he sees his students step up and become leaders, like black belt Claudia De La Cruz, a junior in high school, who now teaches classes by herself at Matias’ facility. “I feel comfortable leaving if she’s here,” Matias beams. He strives to build confidence, not just strength, in his students. As for young people and potential future business owners, he urges, “Believe in yourself. Don’t let anybody get you down. ”